SCP® Procedure
What is Sub Chondroplasty treatment?
The SCP® Procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that treats and fills defects in your bone just below your joint surface also known as your subchondral bone. These defects are sometimes called Bone Marrow Lesions (BML) and can include lesions such as subchondral fractures.
These often-painful defects are in the spongy or cancellous bone that lies under your harder outer or cortical bone. It may help to imagine this spongy bone to be like the inside of a “Crunchie” bar.
The procedure is usually performed along with an arthroscopy or keyhole surgery of your knee joint. This allows your surgeon to see and treat problems inside your joint.
Your surgeon will be able to diagnose a subchondral bone defect based on your clinical history, physical examination and MRI scan.
Peer-reviewed data demonstrate sustained pain reduction, improved function and quality of life after the SCP Procedure.
Bone marrow lesions (sometimes called Bone Marrow Oedema) are small defects typically found in subchondral bone, the region below the thicker cortical bone near your joint surface. They can only be seen on MRI scans.
Bone marrow lesions represent a healing response surrounding small defects in the subchondral bone, such as micro trabecular fractures. For that reason, the lesions can also be referred to as insufficiency fractures. They can be found near any joint that sees weight-bearing or repetitive motion stress.
In some cases, BML defects are a result of a bone injury that doesn’t heal properly. In other cases, BML may be a stress reaction that forms from overuse or poor joint mechanics. Obesity and poor diet are thought to increase the likelihood of developing BML.
- BML is more commonly found in middle-aged patients than in younger patients
- Patients with poor joint alignment are more likely to develop BML
- Adults who quickly increase activity may develop BML
If you have a defect in the bone adjacent to your joint called a chronic Bone Marrow Lesion (BML) you may be a candidate for this treatment. Many surgeons believe that chronic BML will not heal without intervention. Your knee surgeon can tell you if you have this condition.It’s important to discuss treatment options and potential risks with your knee surgeon. It is important that you fully understand all risks and benefits before making a decision to have surgery. Only your doctor can tell you if The Subchondroplasty® Procedure may be right for you. As with every surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications. Individual results may vary. Success depends on factors such as age, weight and activity level.
The SCP® Procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that targets and fills chronic subchondral defects sometimes referred to as BML.During the procedure, your surgeon will use fluoroscopy (intraoperative X-ray) to place a small, drillable cannula in the area of the bone defect. Your surgeon will then deliver AccuFill® Bone Substitute Material (BSM) into the defect, where it hardens with properties that mimic your cancellous bone. During the healing process, the AccuFill® BSM is resorbed and is replaced with new bone.
A recent clinical study looked at 164 patients that underwent the Subchondroplasty procedure and all patients reported improved pain after the procedure, while 75% reported very little to no pain. Though results may vary, it is very promising thus far.
References for SCP® Procedure treatment
Gareth Stables
Cheshire Orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Gareth Stables, is a fully UK trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knee surgery. Gareth has the highest qualifications possible for an orthopaedic surgeon in the UK, FRCS (T&O), and is on the GMC specialist register for Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery.
Gareth specialises in; keyhole or knee arthroscopy surgery, ligament reconstruction surgery, knee osteotomy and knee replacement surgery. He has over 15 years of experience in the field having qualified with a commendation in 1998 from the University of Liverpool Medical School.
"My life was transformed and the pain almost negligible.... Now no painkillers or stick. I cannot thank my caring consultant enough. I will be ever grateful for his wisdom"
"Brilliant treatment from start! Had arthritis in knee joint.Was given injection and the effect was immediate! Brilliant. Would recommend to anyone. One of the most helpful doctors I have ever seen(and I`m 73 !!)"
"Mr Stables was very understanding, patient and thoroughly competent. I would recommend anyone to have knee replacements by him. The whole experience was worthwhile and very good for my quality of life."
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